============================================= || || 21st February 2016 || || News of Lincolnshire Wildlife || LNU Website: || http://www.lnu.org/ || ============================================ In this issue..... 1. Readers hints, tips and requests 2. Wildlife Highlights 3. Wildlife reports from around the county 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves 5. Bardney Limewoods NNR 6. Other Reserve Reports and Highlights 7. Sending in Reports - contributors please read! 8. Contact information 9. Notes about these wildlife reports 10. Bulletin publicity policy 11. Events Diary 12. ...and finally..... ============================================ The Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Bulletin is being read by 1100 people and we are keen to encourage even more readers to subscribe. If you know someone who would like to receive the Bulletin please send them this link so they can sign up for it: http://www.lnu.org/wildnews.php Text versions of past Wildnews Bulletins since Feb 2009 are available on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Note: Each address contains the relevant date. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union or any associated organisations. Reports here are open and are available to county recorders of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. Please contact the Editor to contribute articles or reports. E-mail: rparsons@enterprise.net [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk ] ============================================ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Readers hints, tips and requests ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** From the Editor.... *** Thank you to all contributors for their interesting pieces this week. Steve Hiner tells me that they saw the first Adders on Thorne and Hatfield Moors on 10th [February]. Any 'herptile' news for us yet? I have added details of the LNU Field Meeting for 2016. These all look very good indeed. Update your 2016 diary using section 11 below or the LNU webpage: http://www.lnu.org/events.php On Saturday, February 13th the Recorders' Meeting & Annual Exhibition took place at Whisby Education Centre. 34 LNU members enjoyed interesting and intriguing presentations from recorders. Topics included new species found, and trends in the biological data in Lichens, Fungi, Vascular Plants, Moths, Butterflies, Flies, Bugs, Beetles, Bees & Sawflies, Birds, Bats, (other) Mammals and Freshwater Molluscs. Thanks to the recorders, to the kind members who helped to stuff the next LNU mailing, and to the Whisby team for their much-appreciated hospitality. There are lots of interesting hotlinks this week. I like this Whale sculpture idea. 'Bristol Whales willow sculpture dives into nature reserve home' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-35555989 Also see: 'North Sea sperm whales 'died in hunt for squid' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35521819 Paul Money's 'Monthly Night Sky' for February can be found on this link: http://www.astrospace.co.uk/Astrospace/monthly-sky/monthlynightsky.html Have you tried the NASA Spot the Space Station website? http://spotthestation.nasa.gov/sightings You can also set 'Stellarium' to show satellites - fascinating and addictive. I can spot the ISS on Stellarium, pop out the front door, and there it is! Please keep the reports and news coming and please tell others about the Bulletin. [A 'forward to a friend' link is at the end of the Bulletin. Please do try it.] Roger p.s. Don't forget - the LNU welcomes the support of new members. See: http://www.lnu.org/join.php *** LNU Events - list in section 11 below - guests welcome *** To check on the details, especially if weather suggests a possible cancellation, visit: http://lnu.org/events.php Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. Saturday, March 05, 2016 AGM & Presidential Address AGM, Followed by the Presidential Address by Mark Schofield “Better Connected - Can our road networks serve as super- highways for wildlife?” *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards 2016 *** The closing date for entries is 31st March 2016. It is an easy application process. For more information, see: http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** Hedgehog Street petition *** Hedgehog Street writes: 'The hedgehog is currently listed on schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Adding it to schedule 5 will confer more protection to hedgehog habitat. The most direct benefit of this will probably be that developers will have to consider hedgehogs when they build. We need 100 thousand signatures by August 11th to ensure this is discussed in Parliament. Thank you.' https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/121264 *** Lincoln Water Quality Volunteers needed - Can You Help? *** Marie Taylor writes: The Lincolnshire Rivers Trust have secured funding from Natural England to purchase water quality testing equipment. The Environment Agency will provide some training on identifying pollution and making better reports to their incident hotline. This is an opportunity to become those “eyes and ears” on the ground helping to protect and improve the water landscape of Lincoln as part of a worldwide project called Freshwater Watch, where you have an opportunity to submit your results into an online database. https://freshwaterwatch.thewaterhub.org/ What we need: · 15 volunteer groups based in Lincoln that have a connection to/or an interest in water quality to become better pollution incident reporters. · This support to be a part of the volunteer groups use or activities on or near the water. (e.g Canoe clubs, CRT boat operatives, walking clubs, boating groups, etc). If you interested or are aware of any groups that would be interested in this exciting addition to their use of the waterways in Lincoln please ask them to contact me. We would like to have this in place before the end of March. For more information or to volunteer, contact: Marie Taylor Project Officer Lincolnshire Rivers Trust Email: marie.taylor@lincsrivers.org.uk Phone: 07895423983 [Please Note I only work on a part time basis (Mon-Weds). ] Website: http://lincsrivers.co.uk/ *** Bat Reminder *** Annette Faulkner writes: Could I ask readers to keep their eyes open and let me know of any bats they see flying, either during the day or at dusk, between now and mid March (when they emerge from hibernation)? If you find a grounded one please phone 01775 766286 as soon as you have securely boxed up the bat (wear gloves or use a cloth to scoop it up), and we will take it into care. Also see: http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Rare barbastelle bat recorded in Derbyshire *** http://www.derbyshirebats.org.uk/news.php *** Water Vole Book Launch *** Julia Smith writes: 'In The Water Vole, Christine Gregory, author of Brown Hares in the Derbyshire Dales and A River in Time, tells the story of the water vole, past, present and future, principally through its history in the waterways of Derbyshire.' Sample pages: https://issuu.com/vertebratepublishing/docs/the_water_vole_issuu See: http://www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/shop/water-vole use the code DWT30 for 10% off - every time it’s used, Vertebrate Publishing will make a donation to Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. http://www.v-publishing.co.uk/books/categories/wildlife-photography-and-outdoors/the-water-vole.html *** Scunthorpe Museum Society *** The Natural History and Geology Section of the Scunthorpe Museum Society. Monday, 14th March, is the date of the next meeting, starting at 7.15pm as usual. Allan and Susan Parker of ASPphoto Images of Nature will be giving us their illustrated talk "Shetlands Revisited". As well as birds and their habitats, the talk will include other wildlife and also scenery of the Shetlands. The talk will take place in the St. Bernadette's Parish Hall on Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, DN12 2RS. (Opposite the Priory Hotel.) ALL ARE WELCOME. There is no entry charge but a donation bowl is provided. Refreshments are available for a small charge at the mid-talk break. There is a large free car park in the Church grounds. For more information ring Keith Scarrott on 01724 762098 or visit the website www.scunthorpemuseumsociety.btck.co.uk *** Barton LWT *** Adrian White writes: Barton Area Group of the LWT is now on Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/LWT.Barton.Group Saturday 20th February An all-day field trip to Lower Derwent Valley, Bubwith Ings Expect three species of wintering Swans and other wildfowl Meet at NESS FARM, Far Ings for a 9am start, returning about 4pm. Warm clothing and waterproof footwear recommended. Bring a packed lunch. Car share can be arranged. Contact: Adrian White (01724 732152) for further details. *** Richard Davidson *** Lincoln Area Group Talk February 18th: Ospreys at Rutland Water by Tim Mackrill The Senior Reserve Officer at Rutland Water Nature Reserve looks at the successful return of one of our most iconic birds and the project which has made it happen. Talk at Whisby Nature Park in the Lafarge Education Building starting at 7.30 pm. Admission £2.50 which includes refreshments. *** More Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Events 2015 *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/whats-on *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** RSPB *** Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ South Lincs RSPB http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southlincolnshire *** Find the Grid Reference - always useful *** Chris Manning recommended the following websites to help find grid references. Grab a Grid Reference http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ *** Ordnance Survey releases digital map of Mars surface *** [Never thought I would ever see such a thing!] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-35579849 Don't forget to scroll down to "And finally ....." Several interesting/entertaining links, local, national and international. Should be something for everyone. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Wildlife Highlights ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** Bird News from Rare Bird Alert *** Rare Bird Alert has kindly given permission to reproduce reports. A big thank you from us all. Interested readers should have a look at the RBA website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ 12/2 20 Snow Buntings flew inland over Buck Beck car park, Cleethorpes 13/2 17 Snow Buntings on beach near Buck Beck car park, Bittern, Cleethorpes Country Park 3 White-fronted Geese, Huttoft Marsh from car park terrace Slavonian Grebe, Great Northern Diver, offshore, Freiston Shore Scaup 1w drk, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh 14/2 Scaup 1w drk, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Little Stint, Frampton Marsh 2 Black-throated Divers, 3 Slavonian Grebes, at River Witham Mouth, 10 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Short-eared Owl, near Frampton Marsh Scaup drk flew north past Gibraltar Point 3 Eurasian White-fronted Geese on lagoon, Freiston Shore 15/2 Scaup 1w drk, Spotted Redshank, male hen Harrier, Frampton Marsh Slavonian Grebe, Black-throated Diver off Crook Bank, Saltfleetby 3 Eurasian White-fronted Geese all ads with Pink-footed Geese on Croft Marsh, Gibraltar Point 16/2 3 Eurasian White-fronted Geese all ads with Pink-footed Geese on Croft Marsh, Gibraltar Point Shorelark in sand dunes near Buck Beck car park, Cleethorpes Scaup 1w drk, male Hen Harrier, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Short-eared Owl, Frampton Marsh 6 Eurasian White-fronted Geese, Freiston Shore Slavonian Grebe, Cleethorpe Country Park 17/2 2 Spotted Redshanks inland from sea bank left of car park, Scaup at west end of reedbed, Frampton Marsh Short-eared Owl, Humberston Fitties Great Northern Diver offshore, Gibraltar Point Slavonian Grebe, River Witham mouth, Frampton Marsh 18/2 Hen Harrier ringtail, 3 Spotted Redshanks, Alkborough Flats Scaup 1w drk, Short-eared Owl, 2 Spotted Redshanks, Frampton Marsh Slavonian Grebe, Shorelark, 13 Snow Buntings, Short-eared Owl, Cleethorpes LNR 2 Short-eared Owls, Red-breasted Merganser on pool, Saltfleet Haven 2 Lapland Buntings, Rimac 2 Pale-bellied Brent Geese, both adults, with 793 Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point 3 Eurasian White-fronted Geese all ads on Tennyson's Sands, Gibraltar Point Great White Egret near Tongue End, Market Deeping 2 Short-eared Owls at South Common, Lincoln Note: I am adapting RBA pager information for the Bulletin by eliminating or summarising/consolidating repeated messages. When there is a lot of information I will stick to highlights. Please visit the RBA website for updates or fuller details. Bird Alert website: http://www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/ Here you can register free to use the site and get free trials of their subscription services. [Please mention the Bulletin if you decide to subscribe.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Wildlife news from around the county ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** The Roger Goy Column *** Remembering Roger Goy's wildlife information work. GORSE, 60% in flower (1 plant or clump; unable to tell from distance) TF309850 18.02.2016 Silvia Fowler Roadkills: ELSHAM WOLD 14/2/2016 A15 (Northbound) near Elsham Wold (Grid reference TA0414) Jon Drakes Badger HALLINGTON-WITHCALL Hallington-Withcall road TF283846 Silvia Fowler 10.02.2016 Badger, dead on verge 6m off the road; no obvious injuries; not sure what caused its death KELSTERN near Airfield. TF 265916 (approx) 12.02.2016 Pete Crick Hare LANGRICK ROAD B1192 TF255512 Hermitage Farm. Dead adult Badger on verge. WHISBY TF919660 14/2/16 Robert Walker Badger 1 roadkill On A46 junction for Nature Park, on central turning lane. WRAGBY TF144774 approx Horncastle Road A158 13/2/2016 R Parsons Dead adult Badger on verge. *** County Wildlife Reports From Readers *** Please keep your reports coming. We rely on you to send in your observations and we welcome information from ALL readers, be they beginners or experts. Thanks. DON'T FORGET Please include the year in your reports in case they are copied and thus lose their context. BAUMBER TF226737 14/2/16 Robert Walker Buzzard 1 On roadside tree A158 AREA NEAR BRADLEY PONDS. TA 245051 17.02.2016 Peter Crick Remains of small deer, lower leg and hoof etc. Suspect remains of illegal kill COLSTERWORTH SK93/22 Jane Ostler Wk begin. 7/2/16 Sparrowhawk, male found dead at roadside after gale force winds. Still had in its clasped talons the tail feathers of a blackbird. Pair of little egrets chased off River Witham by 'resident' heron. Total of four little egrets now seen in this area. Tawny Owl found dead on Stamford Road. Goldcrests seen in several gardens. Lesser Celandine and Dog's Mercury in flower on Stamford Road DEEPINGS Venue: Deeping Lakes LWT Reserve Date: 16/02/16 Time: 0900 - 1200 Observer: Ian Gordon Weather: Sunny. frosty, very cold Birds: Blackbird Black-headed Gull Blue Tit Bullfinch Canada Goose Carrion Crow chaffinch Coot Cormorant Fieldfare Gadwall Goldeneye Goosander Great Crested Grebe Great Spotted Woodpecker Great Tit Greenfinch Grey Heron Greylag Goose Jacdaw Kestrel Lapwing Lesser Black-backed Gull Little Egret Long-tailed Tit Magpie Mallard Moorhen Mute Swan Oystercatcher Pochard Raven Reed Bunting Robin Shelduck Teal Tufted Duck Wigeon Wren Mammals: Grey Squirrel FAR INGS NR (Grid reference TA 0023) 14/2/2016 Jon Drakes A hour sat in the Ness Pit hide produced the following: Great Tit Carrion Crow Feral Pigeon Mute Swan 2 Cormorant 7 Tufted Duck Coot Gadwall 3 Magpie Mallard Goldeneye 3 Jackdaw Pochard 1 Snipe 2 Blue Tit Longtail Tit House Sparrow Robin Reed Bunting 2 FREISTON RSPB Freiston Shore 14th February 2016 Ian Misselbrook 1 dead Porpoise in realignment. 1 Red- throated Dive 2 Little grebes 6 Fulmar Cormorant Mute swans 3 White-fronted Geese from lagoon hide 3 Barnacle Geese Brent Geese Canada Geese Greylag Geese Shelduck Mallard Pintail (a pair on lagoon) Shoveler Wigeon Teal 5 Eider 20+ Goldeneye 40+ Tufted Duck 2 Coot Oystercatchers Curlew Redshank Knot Dunlin Grey Plover Lapwing Turnstone 1 GBB Gull Herring Gulls Bh Gulls Feral Pigeon Wood pigeon Collared Doves Carrion Crowa Magpies Starling Skylark Meadow Pipits Dunnock Wren Robin Blackbird Chaffinch Goldfinch House Sparrows Tree Sparrows Reed Bunting GRIMSBY RIVERHEAD (Grid reference TA 2709) 12/2/2016 Jon Drakes Noted whilst travelling into Grimsby town centre were: Mute Swan 9 Moorhen 1 Cormorant 1 Mallard Feral Pigeon Black-headed Gull Herring Gull HOLYWELL LAKE WeBS Holywell Lake 1345 - 1440 bright and sunny. Calm Little Grebes 13 Little egret 1 Black Swan 1 Mute Swan 1 Greylag Geese 29 Canada Geese 2 Egyptian Goose 1 Mallard 49 Gadwall 30 Wigeon 6 Teal 6 Tufted Duck 23 Coot 10 Moorhen 12 Red Kite 1 Pheasants Grey Wagtails 2 Pied wagtails 2 Dunnock Robin Blackbirds Mistle Thrush 1 Fieldfares 6 Great Tits Blue Tits Coal Tits Long-tailed Tits Chaffinch Greenfinch Goldfinch HUTTOFT Jane Pennington TF511762 (my garden unless advised otherwise) 12/2/2016 Tawny owl 1 (heard 5.30 a.m.) 13/2/2016 Pheasant 1 Wood pigeons 8 14/2/2016 Wren 1 16/2/2016 Dunnock 1 Blue tits 2 Great tit 1 Rabbit 1 Wood pigeons 12 17/2/2016 Barn owl 1 (TF515769 - flying low in field) Sparrowhawk 1 (TF516767 - on branch at side of road - watched us for several steps before flying off) KEELBY (Grid reference TA 1610) 12/2/2016 Jon Drakes Noted visiting bird feeders in our back garden were: Collared Dove 5 Blackbird 3 House Sparrow 30 Starling 10 Dunnock 6 Jackdaw 1 Robin 1 Tree Sparrow 2 Coal Tit 1 Blue Tit 1 Chaffinch 3 Greenfinch 1 Goldfinch 1 Pied Wagtail 1 KEELBY (Grid referance TA 1610) 13/2/2016 Jon Drakes Recorderd whilst undertaking the weekly BTO Garden Bird Watch in our back garden were: Collared Dove 2 Blackbird 3 House Sparrow 30 Dunnock 4 Starling 4 Robin 1 Greenfinch 2 Goldfinch 3 Tree Sparrow 3 Chaffinch 3 Wood Pigeon 1 Blue Tit 1 Great Tit 1 KIRKBY ON BAIN TF240629 approx. 13/2/2015 R. Parsons adult Muntjac on east side of road waiting to cross. 17.15hrs LINCOLN SK972738 W/E 20/02/2016 Jayne Knight 31/01/16 Feel very fortunate that I didn't get time to do the bird count on the Saturday of the Big Garden Bird Watch as just after 12noon on the Sunday 3 Long Tailed Tits came into the back garden and feasted on the fat balls. Meant lunch was delayed a little as I began my hour's count from then. Not cheating, is it? 14/02/16 Neighbour pops round after his first early morning dog walk and fills up the bird feeders for me. Had quite a surprise as disturbed a Hedgehog sat in the basket feeder on the lawn, really enjoying the peanuts it contains. 16/02/16 A heron flew over, mid-morning, going West. 17/02/16 Sparrowhawk caught a Starling. NETTLEHAM David and Isobel Smith Kingfisher x114/02/2016 16.00hrson beck in centre of village NEW WALTHAM. TA 285046 15.02.2016 Peter Crick Hedgehogs still feeding every night, but getting later. 1 medium feeding at 6am Neighbour had sighting around 4-5am 1 large 1 medium. temp -4C RAITHBY-CUM-MALTBY, rural garden near LOUTH TF309847 (unless otherwise stated) Silvia Fowler 10.02.2016 Blue tits active in nest box, drumming, etc. Chaffinch, Dunnock, Robin, Song thrush in song, Great tits calling Wren foraging 11.02.2016 Fresh egg shell below platform type nest in hawthorn tree, probably Collared Dove 14.02.2016 Buzzard A/the solitary Common Gull is still coming every day to feed on worms in pasture (throughout autumn/winter 2015/16 as in the previous year). Even when flocks of other common and black-headed gulls land in this pasture, it tends to keep its distance. 15.02.2016 Mistle Thrush x2 18.02.2016 Redwing x 50-60 feeding on pasture SALTFLEET HAVEN Clare Brady 18/2/16 Short Eared Owl, flew up the river bank, the first we saw it. Then again when we left, flew in front of us. Curlew spotted in fields before Saltfleet and on the mud next to the river. Skylarks singing above the dunes. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 05/02/16 Barn Owl x 1 Blackbird x 5 Common Buzzard x 1 SK806998 Dunnock x 1 Pink-footed Goose x 152 north over Thurnholmes Robin x 1 Rook x 27 Skylark x 1 singing high Wood Pigeon x 12 Rabbit x 1 09/02/16 Barn Owl x 2 SK799989 Blackbird x 3 Black-headed Gull x 17 Great Tit x 2 Kestrel x 1 SK789977 10/02/16 Black-headed Gull x 35 Chaffinch x 1 Rook x 25 Skylark x 1 singing high just before dawn Wren x 2 11/02/16 Blackbird x 1 Black-headed Gull x 14 Chaffinch x 1 male territorial singing Coot x 5 SK799989 Moorhen x 2 Mute Swan x 2 Rook x 17 Sparrowhawk x 1 female swept low through garden Starling x 49 Pipistrelle spp. is no longer in its hibernation place in stables. THURNHOLMES (within 300m of SK797984 unless stated) Steve Hiner & Paul Snow 13/02/16 Fieldfare x 32 Lapwing x 25 14/02/16 Barn Owl x 1 Fox x 1 15/02/16 Common Buzzard x 1 Fieldfare x 29 Lapwing x 12 Mute Swan x 4 17/02/16 Barn Owl x 1 Chaffinch x 2 Golden Plover x 51 Brown Rat x 1 18/02/16 Golden Plover x 35 Kestrel x 2 Lapwing x 12 Starling x 51 Wood Pigeon x 9 WAINFLEET CONSERVATION PONDS 14/02/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson On the River were Canada Geese (7), Tufted Duck (3), a single Little Egret and a few Mallard. No birds were on the water at the Ponds, but the hedges held s mall numbers of Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Tree Sparrows and Blue and Great Tits. WATERS EDGE - BARTON UPON HUMBER (Grid reference TA 0323) 14/2/2016 Jon Drakes A quick visit found the following species present in the vicinity of the visitors centre: Mallard Canada Goose Greylag Goose Coot Mute Swan Black-headed Gull Pochard Magpie Blackbird WILDMORE FEN TF216534 unless otherwise stated. R & A Parsons 12/2/2016 24+ fieldfares, 12+ blackbirds feeding on apples in orchard. 2 Great-spotted Woodpeckers on nut feeders 4 Long tailed tits 12+ chaffinches, 12+ goldfinches, pair of greenfinches Flocks of 12+ house sparrows and 12+ tree sparrows 13/2 17 Fieldfares in orchard. 14/2 Up to 50 Fieldfares in orchard. Fem Sparrowhawk perching on an appletree. And then there were none. 15/2 55+ Fieldfares feeling on apples after light snow overnight. 17/2/2016 Common Shrew ad caught in nipper trap with teeth in a raisin! Also caught, Woodmouse ad and Bank vole ad. 18/2/2016 Tawny Owl calling ifrom cherry trees n garden approx 6pm. WINCEBY TF322682 13/2/16 Robert Walker Kestrel 1 On cables by roadside B1195 WOOLSTHORPE-BY-COLSTERWORTH SK922224 Jane Ostler 11/2/16 Garden,sunny,still day 7 spot ladybird climbed out of vegetation Christmas Box plant Dozens of honey bees on open crocuses, laden with orange pollen Buff tailed bumble bee on crocuses White tailed bumble bee on winter honeysuckle Small tortoiseshell butterfly emerged briefly from shed Hatch of shrimps in pond Pond snails feeding on algae pond sides Bluebottle fly sunning on windowsill Winter gnats flying (3 other species of fly out unidentified) The hens are sun bathing with wings spread, replete from worms and slugs turned up from digging Collared doves sitting on eggs Blackbird in full song WRANGLE COMMON 14/02/2016 Roy and Kath Pearson A shortened count today, was highly productive. Two flocks of Siskins, numbering twenty in total were feeding near some alders and near to a feeding station. This species is very uncommon here and in years when it does occur, it is never so plentiful. Elsewhere, birds of interest were approx forty Curlew, whilst Snipe numbered seven birds PLUS TWO JACK SNIPE. A small plantation yielded two Woodcock - an unusual bird this winter. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. NNRs including RSPB and LWT Reserves RSPB Reserves: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/collections/thewash_northnorfolk.aspx https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIBRALTAR POINT NNR. http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/gibraltar-point See: Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory blog. http://gibraltarpointbirdobservatory.blogspot.co.uk/ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SALTFLEETBY THEDDLETHORPE DUNES NNR including DONNA NOOK. http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/38015?category=59026 http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/saltfleetby-theddlethorpe-dunes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/reserves/donna-nook-nnr ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe NNR 11th to 16th February 2016 Contributors; Nigel Lound, Peter and Janet Roworth, John Walker, Cliff Morrison Pink-footed Geese movements mentioned last week, involving birds leaving Norfolk and flying NW to their destinations on the west coast, continued into this period with around 200 on the 11th and 250 on the 12th. However, whilst it was mentioned that the local wintering flock had also moved on, over 800 have been seen feeding in the local fields each day and are still flighting out to the Rimac sands roost. Up to 400 Curlew also continue to use the roost as well, whilst the Common Gulls, numbering up to 1,000, have preferred to roost closer to the dunes this week, to shelter from the strong north west winds. Up to 38 Red-throated Divers and 4 Great-crested Grebes continue to be noted off Crook Bank as they reposition northwards towards the Humber after tidal drift south- wards. However, the Common Scoter flock off Crook Bank, currently numbering around 80, continue to hold their position. The long-staying Velvet Scoter remains with them, but a second pair also flew north on the 15th, when a Black-throated Diver and a Slavonian Grebe were also noted on the sea. A Fulmar and a Guillemot were noted in the same area on the 17th. Wildfowl in the northern sectors at Rimac and Paradise also continued to be interesting, with the long-staying 49+ Shoveler, 150 Teal, 30 Wigeon, a pair of Gadwall, 8 displaying Shelduck and 2 Little Grebes being noted in the week. Several Snipe were also present, with 2 Jack Snipe in the southern area saltmarsh on 16th. Woodcock also re-appeared during the week, with up to 2 seen on several days. These could be birds returning to the Continent. Up to 100 Twite, a few Linnets and 16 Snow Buntings continue to feed on the beach out from BrickYard Lane, but the recent high tides have brought in weed that's now mainly covering any remaining samphire. Over 20 each of Reed Buntings and Yellow Hammers also continue to feed in the outer dunes and the males of both spices have pretty well developed breeding plumages now. A male Peregrine was also in this area on the 12th, but his interests were in the 59 Sanderling feeding in the mud here. As the buckthorn berries have all gone, there are now far fewer bird in the bushess. The 3-4 Bramblings that wintered at Churchill Lane can now be found in the crew yard near the car park, whilst Redwings seem to have departed. Blackbirds have numbered up to 30, but vary each day as they move back to the Continent and 2 Fieldfares briefly dropped in on the 12th. A Stonechat continues to be seen at Rimac, whilst several Bull- finches are to be seen across the reserve. A Grey Wagtail was noted at the Saltfleet Haven on 12th, where 6 Water Pipits were also noted the previous week by a fresh water area. Apart from the Peregrine, mentioned above, a male Marsh Harrier was noted at Rimac on 11th, which is presumably the same bird recorded occasionally throughout the winter. Sparrow Hawk, Kestrel, Barn Owl, Tawny Owl and Little Owl are all recorded daily. Despite a generally cold week, many bird species are in song, the only stand of Gorse on the reserve is in full flower and a Peacock Butterfly enjoyed the sun on the 12th. The strong to gale force onshore winds, accompanied by the high spring tides, brought in much debris during the period, including a score of old/damaged crab pots. In a beach clean by staff, over 1,400 items along 7kms of strand line were cleared away. Over the past 3 months, most of it plastic and weighing over 800kg has now been cleared. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NNR http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/far-ings See: Far Ings NNR on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-Of-Far-Ings-National-Nature-Reserve/186876774685595 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FAR INGS NR Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5. BARDNEY LIMEWOODS NNR http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/limewoods/visit/woods-and-nature-reserves/127031.article http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/events/2014/07/07/visit-dormouse-project Reports always welcome. These cover a huge area, and records from them and records from volunteer recorders are one of the main inputs to management planning and the protection of rare/scarce and critical species. The NNR includes the following sites: Chambers Farm Woods (which comprise Ivy Wood, Little and Great Scrubbs Woods, Minting Wood, Hatton Wood, Hatton Plantation and Minting Park, and also three areas of grassland: Little Scrubbs Meadow (and extension), Small Meadow and Big Meadow. Since all have their own management plans, please give the actual location when reporting); College Wood, Cocklode & Great West Woods, Hardy Gang Wood, Newball Wood, Rand Wood, Scotgrove Wood, Southrey Wood and Wickenby Wood. Many of these include both areas of ancient woodland or important grassland, which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and non-designated areas. Since managing the SSSI areas carries particular responsibilities to Natural England, records which provide a six-figure grid reference are of particular value to the Forestry Commission. Other woods included in the NNR but without public access: Stainfield Wood; Stainton & Fulnetby Woods (access by public bridle way only) Also see: Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire Branch http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6. OTHER RESERVE REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS LWT Reserves: http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/reserves ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reports always welcome. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 7. Sending in reports to Roger Parsons ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The purpose of the Bulletin is to encourage biological recording in Lincolnshire. We hope to increase the number of people reporting observations to LNU Recorders and improve the quality of reports, as well as the quantity and the geographical coverage. In return for this FREE service, we ask you to provide reports, questions, news or relevant articles from time to time. Descriptive pieces are welcome - you don't have to stick to lists! Mailing times vary, depending on what I am doing. The Bulletin usually 'goes to bed' on Fridays. Please e-mail in contributions as early as possible to ensure they are included, to: rparsons@enterprise.net [A backup e-mail address you can use if ever you experience problems with my "Enterprise" address is: aintree2@yahoo.co.uk ] When sending in reports please follow this layout to save re-editing: Place Name: IN CAPITALS with Grid Reference if you have it. Your Name: Real names please, not aliases. Put it in each time, for each location Date: Species list [Alphabetical?] & numbers [and observations?] e.g. Blackbird - 24 [And please, no home-grown abbreviations. Species Names in full.] *** Find the Grid Reference *** Chris Manning recommended the following websites to help find grid references. Grab a Grid Reference http://www.bnhs.co.uk/focuson/grabagridref/html/index.htm UK Grid Reference Finder: http://www.gridreferencefinder.com/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8. Contact Information & Useful Websites ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please let me know ASAP if any of these weblinks fail! *** Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Website *** A full list of LNU Country Recorders is given here. http://www.lnu.org/ LNU e-mail: info@lnu.org If you are not yet a member, the LNU needs good naturalists like you! Anyone interested can get membership application forms from Wilma Gammon at the Lincs Wildlife Trust office, e-mail wgammon@lincstrust.co.uk or from the website: http://www.lnu.org/join.php LNU publications [listed on LNU website] may be ordered via: Ian Macalpine-Leny http://lnu.org/publications.php ian@macalpine-leny.co.uk *** Contacts List *** No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ Care of Sick or Injured Animals - information on LWT website http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/sick-and-injured-animals FIGHTING WILDLIFE CRIME *** Rural Crime Officer *** Pc 160 Nick Willey Force Wildlife, Rural Crime Officer Force Dog Training Establishment Lincolnshire Showground. Grange-De-Lings. Lincoln nicholas.willey@lincs.pnn.police.uk OFFICE: 01522-731897 MOBILE :07768-501895 PAGER : 07654-330877 Website: http://www.lincs.police.uk/Advice/Wildlife-and-Rural-Crime/ *** National Rural Crime Network *** Call for case studies as new website to tackle rural crime is launched. http://www.lincs.police.uk/Advice/Wildlife-and-Rural-Crime/National-Rural-Crime-Network.html See: http://www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/ STAYING SAFE No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** EasyTide *** Check tide times on Admiralty EasyTide: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/EasyTide/index.aspx *** Local Tide Tables *** Here is a useful-looking website where you can order local tide tables. Well worth bookmarking. Everyone who uses the coast ought to have local tide tables handy. £1.50 + p&p. https://www.tidetimes.org.uk/ *** TWO - The Weather Outlook *** Check the weather forecast for the location or postcode: http://www.theweatheroutlook.com/ *** Met Office E-mail Service *** Be warned of the possibility of severe weather. The Met Office website now offers an e-mail notification service for severe weather and other matters which may interest readers. Worth having a look and signing up. See: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/guide-to-emails *** Environment Agency Flood Information/Floodline *** http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/default.aspx SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDING No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. *** Videos and photos - additions welcome *** Starlings at Kirkby on Bain - the excellent 2014 video by David Robinson. http://www.flickr.com/photos/poppops/11685708555/ David sent in another fine video of a starling murmuration in January [2016] at Kirkby on Bain gravel pits - LWT's Hide Pit. https://flic.kr/p/BT6HMp Adrian Royle's superb Flickr photo-site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adiroyle/collections/72157624803742908/ Colin Green has produced the following video about visiting Southrey Wood in Oct 2012. Well worth a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1SpBvd9Ib0 *** Identifying Fungi *** http://www.rogersmushrooms.com/ *** What's That Butterfly? *** http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php http://butterfly-conservation.org/ What's That Caterpillar? http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species_family.php?name=all&stage=larva *** Identifying Dragonflies *** http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/uk-species http://www.british-dragonflies.org.uk/content/dragonfly-and-damselfly-identification-help *** How to Identify Bees *** BWARS - Bees Wasps & Ants Recording Society http://www.bwars.com/ Bumblebee Conservation Trust http://bumblebeeconservation.org/ *** iSpot Keys for computer or mobile *** If you are a beginner to identification of species, you might find the following link useful. http://www.ispot.org.uk/keys *** Mammal Records *** Mammal records can reported to Chris Manning E-mail: Chris.LincsDeer@gmail.com Mink/Otter reports are of interest and can be sent via the Bulletin. *** Spiders *** Imogen Wilde writes: Regional Co-ordinator (RC) and Mentor for Lincolnshire for the British Arachnological Society (BAS). Imogen@imogenwilde.co.uk *** Lincs Amphibian and Reptile Group *** The Lincolnshire ARG (Amphibian & Reptile Group) For further details please contact: Ashley Butterfield learningoutdoors@btinternet.com or tel 07864967057 You can input reptile and amphibian data at: http://www.recordpool.org.uk/ Please remember, common species are just as important as rarer species, so please give it a go. Please contact Dr Angela Julian ARGUK with any specific questions. angela.digges@clara.co.uk *** Local Bat Helpline *** Grounded bats, bat problems, advice and information. Contact Annette and Colin Faulkner on 01775 766286 or e-mail: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com Lincolnshire Bat Group website: http://www.lincsbatgroup.co.uk/ *** Bat Recorder *** You may send confidential bat records direct to Annette Faulkner on: annettefaulkner@btinternet.com *** LNU Bees, Wasps and Ants Recorder *** Alan Phillips Willing to examine specimens or check photos (but bear in mind only a relative few of the 300+ species in the county are identifiable using photos). Aculeates only please, no parasitic wasps such as Ichneumons. If in doubt please contact for advice: aculeates@gmail.com *** Slug ID Help *** Chris du Feu will help with slug identification. You can telephone him on: 01427 848400 or e-mail: chris@chrisdufeu.force9.co.uk *** Identification of Non-Marine Molluscs *** John Redshaw is still available to identify specimens of non- marine shelled molluscs, including brackish marsh species. For larger and medium sized species (down to 1cm) a digital image will usually suffice. For smaller species it may be possible, in some cases, to ID specimens from digital images, but usually actual specimens will be required. If providing specimens, they may be enclosed in old film pots (which photographic shops are usually glad to get rid of). Details of location where specimen found, (with grid reference if known), date and finder's name should be provided. If specimen is provided this information should be noted on a label stuck to the outside of the pot. Please be aware that it is illegal to send live specimens through the post. For further details please contact John by e-mail on ejohnredshaw@gmail.com *** Mollusc Identification *** David Feld has also kindly offered to assist readers to identify molluscs, both terrestrial and aquatic. Please e-mail him a description and he will advise you whether and where to send a photograph or an actual specimen. Contact: drf@dfeld.freeserve.co.uk *** Lincolnshire Badger Group *** Ally Townsend of the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital, writes: If you would like to give people the Lincoln number 01522 530428 a member of staff will record the sighting or RTA. Or use the Weirfield website: http://www.weirfield.co.uk/ where a reporting page can be used to send in badger reports. Botanical Group in South Lincs Sarah Lambert writes: We'd be happy to welcome new people, whether experienced or not, particularly if they are located towards the northern part of the vice county! sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com USEFUL WILDLIFE CONTACTS *** Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/ *** Lincs Environmental Records Centre *** Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership (of which LERC is a part) Contact: Charlie Barnes, charlie.barnes@glnp.org.uk or for more general queries: info@glnp.org.uk Website: http://www.gnlp.org.uk *** Life on the Verge and Wildflower Meadow Network Project *** Aidan Neary, Wildflower Meadow Project Officer, aneary@lincstrust.co.uk Mobile: 07825 970930, Switchboard: 01507 526667. To find out more and to become involved with the survey and management of Lincolnshire's limestone grassland on road verges see: See: http://www.lifeontheverge.org.uk/ *** Good sources of seeds of Bee-friendly Wild Flowers *** Mark Schofield writes: Always consider the provenance and sustainable sourcing of seed. Plantlife and Flora locale have defined protocols that can guide the conservation-minded shopper. Bee-friendly gardeners should refer to their A-Z suppliers list which can be found here: www.floralocale.org/Alphabetical+supplier+listing Advice: www.wildlifetrusts.org/Bees-needs/growmore bumblebeeconservation.org/get-involved/managing-your-land/wildflower-seed/ *** Lincs Bird Club *** LBC County Bird Recorders John Clarkson - Covering the north of the county recorder_north@lincsbirdclub.co.uk John Badley - Covering the south of the county recorder_south@lincsbirdclub.co.uk Bird Club Website: http://www.lincsbirdclub.co.uk *** The Sir Joseph Banks Society *** Contact 01507 528223 or by e-mail: enquiries@joseph-banks.org.uk. http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk *** Other Useful Websites/contacts *** No hotlinks in this section, just copy and paste URLs, please. Suggestions for other useful Websites are welcome. *** Natural England *** http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ *** Lincolnshire Environmental Awards *** http://www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk/ *** The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project (LCGMP) *** The Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes project produced two films of the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes. They are based on Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) which measures topography accurately. The films reveal many historical and geomorphological features that are not always obvious to the eye. Note that the vertical perspective is exaggerated to enhance the features. Narrated by Jim Broadbent. Watch them here: Southern marshes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwhVamd4j6E Northern marshes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZjqzcMFXi8 *** Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service *** A dedicated service to protect and enhance the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). 01507 609740 http://www.lincswolds.org.uk *** Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project *** Project Officer: Jonathan Gahan http://www.lincswolds.org.uk/chalk-streams/volunteering or contact the project officer jonathan.gahan@lincolnshire.gov.uk *** The South Lincolnshire Fenlands Partnership *** http://www.lincsfenlands.org.uk/ Contact: slincsfens@lincstrust.co.uk Amanda Jenkins - South Lincolnshire Fenlands Project Officer *** RSPB local webpages *** https://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/freistonshore/ http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/f/framptonmarsh/ John Badley, Site Manager for RSPB Lincolnshire Wash reserves e-mail: john.badley@rspb.org.uk S Lincs RSPB http://www.southlincsrspb.org.uk Lincoln RSPB http://www.lincolnrspb.org.uk/ *** Butterfly Conservation Lincolnshire link *** http://butterfly-conservation.org/300/lincolnshire-branch.html *** Lincsbirders *** Lincolnshire's Alternative Birding Group http://www.lincsbirders.org/ *** Lincolnshire Limewoods Project Bardney Limewoods NNR *** http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/what-we-do/living-landscapes/lincolnshire-limewoods http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/Limewoods/ limewoods@lincolnshire.gov.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9. Notes about these wildlife reports ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We do our best to ensure accuracy in our reporting but these records are sent in by a variety of reporters, from complete beginners to professionals. They therefore vary in reliability and in some cases they are impossible to verify. If further information is needed on locations or reporters, or if you wish to question/confirm any of these records, contact: rparsons@enterprise.net Bulletins are sent to Recorders at Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre [GNLP] , Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union and Lincolnshire Bird Club. [Note: Where plants are reported, this is usually because they have been seen and identified in flower.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10. The Bulletin's publicity policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We sometimes withhold precise details of rare or endangered species. Please point out any sensitive or "tricky" reports of this kind. Sensitive data should go directly to county recorders, please. Please respect the interests of wildlife and site owners if you report on national networks. An interest in wildlife is not a licence to act irresponsibly/thoughtlessly to landowners, who may well be partners in important conservation work. [Remember - views expressed in the Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions on the LNU or associated organisations. In particular this applies to such agencies, especially charities, taking a political stance.] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11. LNU Events Diary For LNU meetings also see http://www.lnu.org/events.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Field Meetings generally start at 12 noon for 1.00pm, but please check the website details for each event. Unless otherwise stated, Indoor Meetings are held on Saturdays at the Whisby Education Centre, Whisby Nature Park, Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln and start at 2pm. 2016 Indoor meetings Saturday, March 05, 2016 AGM & Presidential Address AGM, Followed by the Presidential Address by Mark Schofield “Better Connected - Can our road networks serve as super- highways for wildlife?” 2016 Field meetings Saturday, April 23, 2016 Potterhanworth Wood SSSI Joint meeting with BSBI (South Lincs Flora Group) (A private woodland site with access courtesy of F.G Battle & Sons Ltd) Southeast of Lincoln 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park at TF07306621 which is a hard-standing area next to a barn. Follow minor road east from Potterhanworth through wood and then take track immediately on right where road bends. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please and we have been asked to stick to the rides due to nesting birds. The South Lincs Flora Group intend to be recording in the general area on both Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th April. Habitats: Broadleaved Woodland. Leader (LNU): Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Leader (BSBI): Sarah Lambert sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com Saturday, May 21, 2016 Wharton Wood (afternoon and evening moth/bat session) (A private site with access courtesy of Thonock and Somerby Estates) Northeast of Gainsborough - 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet and park at SK 8421 9192 which is at end of track off A159 (east side), found about halfway between Gainsborough and Blyton. The track may be unsuitable for low vehicles on the day, therefore best to park alongside it where possible and walk to meeting spot at end. Evening session from 20.30 until late. No mains available for moth traps. NB. As a private woodland no exploring before the set time please. Nearest toilets are in Gainsborough town centre or in local village pubs (Blyton, Corringham or Morton). Habitats: Broadleaved and mixed woodland, ponds, grassland and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, June 04, 2016 BioBlitz Event - Cleethorpes Country Park and Cleethorpes Boating Lake Grounds All Day with evening moth/bat recording session (Courtesy of North East Lincolnshire Council) Cleethorpes Country Park and Cleethorpes Boating Lake Grounds. 10.00 start with evening session starting at 21.00. Meeting point and parking at TA308066 in Country Park carpark which is free (nearest post code DN32 0PB). People can come and go as they wish. The Discovery Centre at Cleethorpes Boating Lake will be the data collection point, which is just over the road from the eastern end of the Country Park. NB. There is a parking charge in the Boating Lake grounds/Discovery Centre. Possibility of mains available for moth traps at Discovery Centre. Toilets and cafe available at the Discovery Centre. Habitats: Lake, dunes, shore, grassland and scrub. Leader: Rachel Graham Rachel.Graham@nelincs.gov.uk LNU Contact: Charlie Barnes 01507 526667 charlie@cucaera.co.uk Sunday, July 17, 2016 Stanton’s Pit LWT Reserve Field meeting to Stanton's Pit LWT Reserve (joint meeting with British Dragonfly Society  Southwest of Bourne 12.00 for 13.00 start. Use car park at TF034173 (nearest postcode PE10 0JN) which is about half-way off minor road between Little Bytham and Witham-on-the-Hill. Nearest facilities in village pubs. Habitats: Former sandpit with lake, marsh, acid grassland and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Saturday, August 13, 2016 Tetney Blow Wells LWT Reserve With evening moth/bat recording session (Courtesy of LWT and Anglian Water) South of Cleethorpes 12.00 for 13.00 start. Evening session starting at 20.15. Park alongside Church Lane in Tetney village in vicinity of church or nearby. There is a footpath which leads to the reserve just to the east. NB. No mains available for moth traps. Facilities available in local village pubs in Tetney or Tetney Lock. Stiles present. Habitats: Blow wells, marsh, woodland, grassland, streams and scrub. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Sunday, September 04, 2016 Burkinshaw’s Covert (A private site with access courtesy of Total Lindsey Oil Refinery) North Killingholme, North Lincolnshire 12.00 for 13.00 start. Meet at the main car park (by Gate No.7), Rosper Road, North Killingholme (grid ref TA16701754 and post code DN40 3DZ will get you nearby). Assemble at security gatehouse to meet Alan Jones from Humber Nature Partnership. Alan’s mobile no. is 07905 491647 if there are any problems finding the location. NB. Gate 7 is on Rosper Road, to the east of the refinery, not on Eastfield Road which is to the west. We will all need to drive to site (under escort by security staff to unlock gates) and will all need to leave at the same time (just after 16.00). May need to car share depending on numbers. Toilets available at security gatehouse. Habitats: Broadleaved woodland, scrub, grassland and pond. Leader: Brian Hedley 07989 665794 brian_hedley@hotmail.com Site Contact: Alan Jones 07905 491647 alan.jones@humbernature.co.uk Sunday, October 09, 2016 LNU Annual Fungus Foray (National Fungus Day) (Access courtesy of the Forestry Commission) North of Bourne 12.00 for 13.00 start. Park at TF058299 at northern entrance track to wood (nearest post code NG34 0HE). Take minor road west from Aslackby, off the A15. Nearest public toilets are in Bourne. Habitat: Broadleaved woodland. Leader: Ray Halstead 07772 613640 ray.halstead@tiscali.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 12 ....and finally..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *** MailFails This Week *** If ever your Bulletin does not arrive, text copies of past Bulletins can be found on: http://rogerparsons.info/bulletinportal.html Latest Mailfails. If you recognise any of these part-addresses, please let the owners know. geoff.copley - Soft Bounce - Hop count exceeded - possible mail loop hapseve - hard bounce - delivery failed; will not continue trying k.skingle - soft bounce - addresses had permanent fatal errors And finally: The Beauty of Pollination http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/xHkq1edcbk4?rel=0 From the dyke, the special gift of a water shrew http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/feb/16/country-diary-blackwater-carr-norfolk-crome-water-shrew Extinct plant species discovered in amber http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35582991 A bird of prey soars where bronze-age farmers toiled http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/feb/13/peak-district-hen-harrier-birds-stone-circle-bronze-age North Lincolnshire Museum reopens after £150k refurbishment http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-35569074 RAF jets sent to intercept Russian bombers heading to UK http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35598892 Record year for fish releases in England's rivers http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35551906 Farmers on alert for highly infectious livestock virus http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35555546 'Health risk' legacy from Neanderthals http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35547175 Caves reveal Australia wasteland's secret past http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-35499520 Iron meteorites 'buried in Antarctica' by the Sun http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35587680 Medieval boat raised from riverbed in the Netherlands http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35568700 Bulgarian motorway poised to carve up wildlife haven http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/feb/17/bulgarian-motorway-poised-to-carve-up-wildlife-haven Earth's rarest minerals catalogued http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35569659 MyShake quake app invites public testing http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35542274 Ground control bids farewell to Philae comet lander http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35559503 ~ THE END ~ ----------- (..until next week!) Roger Parsons http://rogerparsons.info/